The BNP Paribas Open, the largest ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and WTA Premier combined event in the world, has been announced as the presenting sponsor of Tennis With The Stars. Hosted March 6th at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa in Rancho MIrage, CA, a portion of all event proceeds will benefit national non-profit ACEing Autism.
"Tennis With The Stars is a unique tennis event that benefits a great cause," said Tommy Haas, Tournament Director of the BNP Paribas Open. "We are excited to support ACEing Autism and continue to grow tennis opportunities in the Coachella Valley and beyond."
Held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden each March, the BNP Paribas Open attracts the world's best players to the desert of California. With attendance numbers totaling nearly half a million, this world-class tournament has continued to innovate and improve the fan experience.
"We couldn't be happier to have the BNP Paribas Open as our presenting sponsor," said Scott Colebourne, Vice President of Operations for Cliff Drysdale Management. "The tournament is truly world-class, and to have them supporting our event and ACEing Autism is hugely impactful and appreciated."
Tennis With The Stars will serve as a kick-off event for the tournament, with main draw play at the BNP Paribas Open beginning Wednesday, March 7th. The event features an intimate gathering of the world's top players. The 2018 roster includes world no. 2 Simona Halep, ESPN analyst and legendary coach Darren Cahill and rising U.S. star Frances Tiafoe. A limited number of amateur players will have the chance to compete alongside and against guest stars and players.
More information about additions to the 2018 lineup will be announced soon. For tickets and event details, please visit: www.tenniswithstars.com
To purchase tickets to the BNP Paribas Open, visit: www.bnpparibasopen.com
For event and sponsorship information, contact Kimberly Arena at k.arena@cliffdrysdale.com
For media inquiries, contact Joey Hanf at j.hanf@cliffdrysdale.com
* 2017 Event Recap Video courtesy of Kerry Feirman of Talk Tennis TV
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About the BNP Paribas Open
The BNP Paribas Open is the largest ATP World Tour and WTA combined two-week event in the world, and is held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The tournament offers more than $14 million in prize money, and is the only event to provide the Hawkeye line challenge system on all match courts, including qualifying rounds. For more information, visit www.bnpparibasopen.com.
About ACEing Autism
ACEing Autism was founded in the summer of 2008 by Richard Spurling & Dr. Shafali Jeste in Boston, MA. as a family run organization with the invaluable efforts of its volunteers & supporters. They launched their first program at The Longfellow Club, Wayland (MA) with 15 children. In the spring of 2009 we added a second location, The Weymouth Club in Weymouth (MA). Richard quickly realized that he could greatly enhance the lives of children and families with autism through tennis, and he made a commitment to dedicate his career to the development and expansion of ACEing Autism.
In early 2010, Shafali was recruited to the UCLA Center for Autism Research and Treatment, a center that has been a leader in the field of autism research for decades. Shafali and Richard relocated to Los Angeles in 2010, and since then Richard has focused on program development and expansion. ACEing Autism currently services more than 1000 children with autism across 50+ locations nationwide.
ACEing Autism's success lies in their commitment to tailoring the program to the needs of each individual child with autism. In 2013 Richard was honored with the USPTR’s Humanitarian of Year Award for his work building this program and in August 2014 ACEing Autism was given the USTA’s Community Service Award. For more information, visit www.aceingautism.org
About Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Set on 240 lush acres, the 444-room Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is classic Rancho Mirage re-imagined for the 21st-century traveler. The resort's offerings include stylish guestrooms; the signature bluEmber restaurant; R Bar lounge and Splashtopia, an exciting water playground complete with water slides, a lazy river and sandy beach. The resort also features a 20,000-square-foot spa, 27-hole Ted Robinson-designed golf course, 25-court Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center and 50,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. For more information, visit www.omnihotels.com/RanchoLasPalmas.